In a season that has broken records, set new benchmarks and provided such unifying levels of joy, the suggestion that it’s still been lacking in something would sound ludicrous, if not downright ungrateful.
By the time a shell-shocked referee blew-up and scarpered off the pitch moments after Kevin McDonald had thumped home a positively orgasmic sixth goal, we had been given it.
A signature. An ever-lasting impression that we can all refer back to in years to come whenever we reminisce over ‘that’ season in League One.
Of course, 9,000 fans at Milton Keynes will live long in the memory but for an appropriate immortalisation of this all-conquering team on the pitch itself, no single success would be unanimously relived – until we beat Rotherham 6-4 on April 18 2014.
Calling it a ’10 goal thriller’ would be a gross injustice.
When the South Bank clock struck the fanciful hour of 5.15pm and the players scarpered from an idiotic pitch invasion, many of the 30,110 fans in attendance had surely seen the game to define all 46 others.
In beating a quite brilliant Rotherham team 6-4, I had been privileged to the most pulsating game of football I can ever remember seeing in 25 years of Molineux visits – Our Leicester 4-3 Premiership success included.
The fact it was essentially a ‘dead rubber’ (but for the League One silverware) made it all the more remarkable.
To start with a match report would take most of the Easter break to complete, such was the relentless flow of a game that just kept on giving.
Let’s just say we were 3-1 up at half-time and looked every inch the ruthless team that we’ve grown so accustomed to, with David Edwards surely enjoying his best half of football in a Wolves shirt.
His lung-busting late-runs and clever interplay with the outrageously good Nouha Dicko made for a perfect combination, piercing Rotherham’s back line on two significant occasions to score between them. Our equalising goal owed more to Sako ingenuity out-wide.
The second-half of football was a totally different story, as Rotherham pushed their defence even higher, top-loaded their team with forwards (Pringle, Thomas and Hitchcock off the bench) and went gung-ho.
The result was quite spectacular, as they pretty much battered us for the best part of 45 minutes, pausing only to pick the ball out of the net when Edwards ran 90 yards to collect a Henry ball down the channel and cross for Dicko to dispatch, making the score 4-2.
Game over we thought, until full-back Skarz made it 3-4 and the waspish Kieran Agard made it 4-4.
But like a punch-drunk boxer on the ropes at the point of a stoppage, we threw a ferocious last roundhouse of our own, which was never likely to land with the goalless Sam Ricketts receiving the ball on the corner of the box.
The skipper bent it in the top-corner and Molineux went wild.
An ill-conceived pitch invasion couldn’t dilute an unbridled moment of passion, the like of which had barely been felt since Stephen Hunt did something similar at the North Bank end a few years before.
Such moments come about but once in a blue moon, so to savour another one within minutes was probably more than we deserved, as Molineux became positively ethereal.
The unplayable Dicko – in the most complete performance since the days of Bull – couldn’t be wrestled off the ball as we cleared from yet another Rotherham attack. A stick of dynamite and a hand-grenade wouldn’t have touched him on yesterday’s form as he turned and ran, and ran to a dizzy South Bank, turning a quite probable 5-5 scoreline into the something more unlikely.
For one split second time stood still, as a ferocious game of football slowed to the thud of a heartbeat…
…He squared for the onrushing McDonald who seemed to arrive in slow-motion as the clock struck 5.15pm.
At the precise moment the Scotsman wrapped his right boot around the ball, the pause button released and the top corner rippled.
It was a cathartic moment to define Kenny Jackett’s incredible adventure, to surely last a lifetime.
Fantastic report mate. You did it justice, which is no mean feat.
And by it, I of course mean one of the greatest games of football I’ve ever seen.
It won’t linger in the memory of anyone outside the two clubs but in many ways that makes it even more special.
Rotherham were fantastic in that second half. They swarmed all over us and played some staggeringly good football.
But Dicko was unplayable all afternoon and in Dave Edwards he was always well supported, as you point out.
How fitting that Sam Ricketts should score the decisive goal and earn deserved recognition for a season of unrelenting consistency. He finally found that top corner after coming within inches about a hundred times previously this campaign.
I can’t describe it better than you mate – a signature performance to cap a wonderful season.
Ben, I’m not one easily brought to tears (well that’s a lie really, it seems to happen more as I get older), but I have to admit to dripping over the present Mrs DOOGooder’s iPad when reading your brilliant write up just now.
It was a real ‘I Was There’ match – just such a pity that I wasn’t!
Everything has been said about Kenny J and his merry men but everything that has been said was proved correct in their performance yesterday.
Defeat, or even a draw, was just not in the equation.
This is a match that will live a lot longer in the memory of Wolves fans than any of us Bloggers.
I can’t wait to see us stick six more past Carlisle when I can join in the celebration of this great achievement by this truly noble Band of Brothers.
Absolutely brilliant report, to go with the brilliance of blogging which has also defined this season! I wrote my comment last night, and in hindsight and reading all the glowing comments, think I was being a bit over-cool about such a spectacle, which will indeed live in the memory…….still, here it is as written!!
It took a while for my nerves to settle after that, even longer for my anger at the morons who invaded the pitch and spoilt a cracking game and recognition of the players. If having a full house relies on them, perhaps we’d be better off with 27000. Great that the hard core South Bank were vociferous in recognising them as a bunch of self-abusers.
Having got that off my chest, Clive deserves a couple of bonus points for predicting 6, with a penalty of one for overlooking the four against!
It was indeed an amazing game. It felt like the defence were rather affected by ‘already-promoted syndrome’ (actually, I think it may be more about what Ben says – Rotherham were excellent) and that, whenever Rotherham scored, we decided ‘we can do that too……with interest’ and the attacking was clinical. Great stuff from Dicko and Edwards and nice to see Sam getting a goal, and a great one at that. It was a hell of a match but I can’t quite get over the four against – that makes me less confident about the Championship. But what the hell…..another great day in a redemptive season. Here’s to a real celebration at the Carlisle game, hopefully without the idiots.
And good luck to Rotherham in the play-offs – 16 goals in two matches with them this season! And they are very generous in their website report.
I’m gonna be repeating what the other three said here – fantastic write up, and what surely was a fantastic game! I won’t be the only one disappointed I wasn’t there – first hat-trick by a Wolves player since I started supporting and those flurry of late goals as well – exceptional! I could watch Sam Ricketts’ goal over and over though, wonderful strike!
I’ll be looking out for Rotherham in the play-offs though – best team Wolves have played this season, we’ve only conceded more than two twice and both times it’s been thanks to them! Would love to play them again next season!
A sell out crowd.
10 goals.
2 hat-tricks.
A Wolves win.
As The Jam might have said, ‘That’s entertainment’…
Gotta feel a bit sorry for Rotherham haven’t you, scoring 4 away from home, against the second meanest defense in the country, and losing?
No.
They shipped 6 in one game.
That is the reason we are promoted and they aint, yet.
With regard to the pitch invasions, there is only one person to blame and that is Kenny Jackett.
If he had not transformed the sack of shit he inherited last year into this fantastic team we have today, then yesterday’s crowd would have been around 10,000, mostly bitching and moaning about another year of third division football, or worse.
No, I am not condoning the pitch invasions, but I totally understand the euphoria which lead to them, and greasel and morgan should happily pay any fine imposed by the FA. ( Pay for it out of the huge gate receipts from yesterday)
The past few seasons have generated zero occasions where a pitch invasion would be merited, unless it was last years game at Brighton where several “players” were in danger of being lynched.
KJ has given us back our pride, our belief and our team, and I feel the uncontained enthusiasm of a few is a small price to pay for the tear filled joy we now have, when we can hold our heads up proudly once more, and say
“Wolves Ay We”
I don’t feel sorry for them but their manager did earn my respect for his magnanimous comments about Wolves in defeat: “… what an absolute honour it was to come to Wolverhampton Wanderers football club, they are an outstanding club from top to bottom and we wish them every success. People can talk about the investment and the parachute payments but you still have to produce a football team that wins football matches and Kenny Jacket has done that and he goes away with all of our congratulations.”
I wish them luck in the play-offs.
Ben,
I’m still in a state of shock after yesterday – did it really happen like that etc.
We showed such grit and strength of character. Perhaps that is the essence of what
Kenny has given us both the fans and the players, a real sense of self-belief.
As Ben said, the game was unbelievable. Dicko showed what we all felt he is capable of, long may
his spirit and attitude continue. Simply magic, I am so pleased for him.
It has to be said that Rotherham were truly good and in no small measure showed skill and detrmination themselves. They really took the fight to us in the second half. At half time, I thought “we could score 5 today”. Nobody could have foreseen what would come later.
You have to feel a bit sorry for Rotherham. How often do you score 4 away, including a hat-trick and still lose?
I have 2 messages: to KJ and the team, go on to win the silverware and break 101 points. After yesterday
anything is possible. To the pitch-invaders: selfishly, you lot meat that I couldn’t actually see the last two goals, my view was obstructed. Also, the guy in a wheelchair on the pitch makes me twitchy. I myself have a cool and trendy, but not uncommon model. It wasn’t me of course, but I fear the day when fan-control means photos, tyre-prints and DNA.
Happy days indeed, and more tc come.
I was there for the Wolves 4-3 Leicester game and that was amazing. Unfortunately not there yesterday! Trying to follow it whilst looking after two of my grandsons was a task and they gave me a lot of odd looks whilst I was jumping up and down!
Absolutely staggering game! Brilliant blog !
WOW what a match to be at. A thoroughly nail biting, frustrating, exciting, emotional performance by the lads.
I’ve been wishing Sam to get the goal he so deserves for his outstanding leadership this season and when he hit that upright after his tenacious run I could really feel for him. But, true to defining captaincy, he finally get’s our 5th (and possibly a candidate for goal of the season), goal and I thought our ‘last minute win’ – but good old KM again brought the house down with our 6th. As I said Wow, what a match to be at and be able to remember for many a long year to come.
As for the over zealous idiots – thanks a lot guys your actions nearly had the match abandoned – stay away or just be a little more responsible. We are all ‘in cloud nine’ after the fantastic season we’ve had thus far but we know where to draw the line.
Anyhow, now to Monday and hopefully 3 points and the title.
Finally, Ben, Thomas (and others) – many thanks for the blogs – really make fantastic reading and as someone has already pointed out, makes you feel as if you have been there.
Fantastic report Ben and not much more anyone could add to it, or the other blogger comments. I wouldn’t compare it to the Leics game because we came from 0 – 3 down whereas here we actually were leading most of the time.
This game was sensational and I want to unreservedly praise such a magnificent effort from the Rotherham lads and their fans. Their second half performance was outstanding and truly was deserving of the point they had at 4-4. In fact I wasn’t unhappy that they had equalised I felt thier efforts had been rewarded. Then again football can be a bitch and so it proved when Ricketts and McDonald popped up with memorable and truly skillful finishes to see us home and 3 pts nearer that title of League 1 Champions.
I thank Kenny Jackett and this team for bringing everything orgasmic back to the Molineux.
See you on the 3rd Clive.
(Ever so slightly) gushing report Ben
And rightly so …your prose written in exemplary fashion…- so it was a good game then..?
If we can play like that and incidentally Rickets really really cool finish ..KJ ‘one of the goals of the season – one of the most important’, then do we need new players nxt season?
Plays into M&M hands a bit…
Truely fantastic…
Who guessed that score line?
Unbelievable game, Dicho was top draw as was Stearman at the back.
Rotherham probably the best team to visit Molineux this season, they would not lay down and battered us for about 20 min of the second half, fair play to them hope they do well in the play offs.
Talk about not laying down, talk about a proper captains goal, Ricketts what a beauty, what a brilliant day.
Shame the players and fans couldn’t have savoured the victory more after the game.
UTW
I think we are all agreed that was a write-up worthy of the match.
One question I have is, does anyboy know why they took Evans off at half time, was he injured?
And why did they replace him with Henry rather than Price when we were already leading 3-1?
And what was the formation with only one holding midfielder on the pitch?
Not surprising there were lots of goals with both sides having so many attacking players. I’m just surprised we gave them the oppurtunity to come back at us.
A fantastic game from start to finish, Wolves slammed into gear and at half time it looked done and dusted. Rotherham were truly great opponents and justified their position of late in the league, their manager was really complimentary towards our team and strangely enough our fans. Now to the game, it took off at 90MPH and more or less stayed there, because when Wolves took the foot of the gas at the start of the second half, Rotherham kicked in and kept it up there. But “cometh the moment cometh the man”
Ricketts was truly sensational yesterday, a true captain steering us back on track, his piercing runs down the wing and tracking back to help the guys was an example that our lads forgot for about 20 mins and then when they woke up my God, they were electrifying. Ricketts got that goal that has eluded him all season and my God it was a goal and a half. We must open the goal of the season competition back up so we can include his. Not trying to bore anyone, (I think 8’ve mentioned this a couple of times already) 54 years I’ve been coming to Molineux and yesterdays game was amongst the greatest game I have watched there. Rotherham were sensational and the fact we beat them speaks volumes, I do hope we stuff Orient Monday and Rotherham can prodiuce the same football in the play offs. My God they deserve something after that performance.
Onwards and Upwards
Lets just hope it is a fine off the FA and not Docked points….
After the Morons who spoilt the best game of the season yesterday and stopped the Fans and the players enjoying after the game celebrations together.
Probably most of them who hadn’t been there all season. Hold your heads in shame you pathetic idiots and don’t bother coming back….
As for the game Brilliant end to end stuff what a great show..
Just wish we could have shown our appreciation to the players after.
It is a shame to see trouserism raise its ugly head. In these more enlightened times a man should not be judged by his preference of twill. On a less serious note what a match. I think Steve Evans deserves credit for the way Rotherham played. They pressed high and MacDonald had to drop deeper and deeper to find space. I think Price would have been a better bet than Evans. Wolves midfield did seem overwhelmed at times but it is churlish to criticise such magnificent entertainment. Ricketts Ronaldoesque run was one of many highlights of the second half despite it ending with the ball hitting the post. Despite letting in four goals Ikeme Stearman and Batth played as well as they have done all season. Ikeme made another fingertip save from a cannonball shot and Batth and Stearman hurled their bodies fearlessly into the line of fire. Rotherham were relentless and undaunted. It was a great game and therefore a great shame it ended the way it did. Both sides deserved better than having to scuttle off the pitch while a few self aggrandising tossers got their 15 seconds of fame. Thanks Kenny. Thanks Steve. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be there.
Work commitments on a Saturday mean these days I can only get to 2 or 3 matches a season, so I was really looking forward to the getting to the Rotherham game.
Unreal – surreal -bizarre.
Was this the defence that had only leaked 25 goals all season being totally demolished by a gung-ho Rotherham attack?
Amongst all the rose-tinted comments on here might I suggest that for long periods Wolves were simply outplayed, as is confirmed by the match statistics.
Wolves appeared lethargic at the start of the first half going 1-0 down before stepping up the tempo with the speed and ability of Dicko being instrumental in the 3-1 half time score.
At the start of the second half again Wolves appeared complacent job done -game over.
Rotherham had different ideas and good for them.
Perhaps it was a sense of anti-climax with promotion guaranteed (I rather hope for 100+ points) but lets face it a performance like this next year against better defences in the championship will not auger well. Some realism required here I think!
When Wolves upped the pace they were a different team, incisive and likely to score at will, but lets face it for 30 mins in the second half it was non-stop Rotherham.
Full credit for Ricketts for showing the steel and determination to change it around, firstly with the shot that hit the post and secondly a wonderful strike.
Finally, the 200-300 morons and their continuous pitch invasions – I fully support the other 30k at the match calling them w….ers, which is what their idiotic behaviour warranted. The club will get fined in the order of £20k – with camera technology each of those on the pitch can easily be recognised and should be liable for a £100 fine and pay up or face a years ban from Molyneux – might make them think again about their selfish actions.
As Nige (above) comments it is a shame that we couldn’t have shown our appreciation to the players at the end.
I thought this would be a high scoring game, knowing Rotherham’s tendencies and Wolves wanting to win it, so I predicted a 3-2 win, but never in a lifetime would I have predicted that both sides would actually double my prediction. Where did 6-4 come from? If anyone officially predicted that scoreline I will buy them a beer and ask them for investment advice 🙂
I left the scoreline at 4-2 yesterday to go to a Dr appt, thinking that was that. As soon as I got to the Dr I checked the scoreline: 4-4. WTF! I thought – how did they let that one get away. Just as I am about to put the phone away the phone buzzed again: 5-4. Nurse called me in. Phone buzzed again: 6-4. I didn’t feel any of the shots after that – nurse must have been wondering why I was so chipper while she was sticking me!
Crowned champions on Monday mayhaps!
Go Wolves!!!
Can’t add anymore than what has been said except what a game what a team.
It was a privilege to be at Molineux on Saturday afternoon and witness such an epic game, great credit to both teams, and to you Ben for a spot on report on this excellent blog. I`ve only just about recovered from the adrenalin rush of such a fantastic match and some exceptional attacking play by both sides, and some superb goals.
I`m sure KJ will analyse the video, although Rotherham went for broke as they wanted the playoffs, I`m sure neither side will play like that in the Championship every week.
I see there were pitch invasion(s) at Brentford, so lets see what happens about that.
What else can happen this season? it just gets better and better. Great days to be a wolves fan.
Btw, a little funny story from yesterday while I was listening to the game:
Mrs. GW (who doesn’t follow football at all): “Wolves seem to be doing well this year”
Me: “yes!”
Mrs. GW: “I didn’t know they are playing in Europe. That’s great isn’t it?”
Me: “Come again? Europe?”
Mrs. GW: “Aren’t they playing the Dutch?”
Me: “I think you’re thinking of Rotterdam, dear, this is RotherHAM!” 🙂
Mrs. GW: “Oh, who are they?”
Me: “Well, probably one of the better teams we get to play this year … we’re in the 3rd division, remember?”
Mrs GW: “How was the season, are you going up?”
Me: “Oh YES! And maybe Rotterdam one day!” 🙂
Don’t fret, it’s a female Gene nothing else. Just keep the faith.
Seriously. At least she is supporting your passion, best blog for ages, I PMSL 🙂
Oh Happy Days
What a game, Just so sad the rest of the country get to read about pitch invasions and not the game. 22 players where denied a deserved standing ovation by a bunch of brainless idiots. They will cost the club a fine , probably a final warning and if points were docked we don’t have an arguement.
12 months ago we thought we had dropped into no mans land truth is there is some decent football in this league , its been fun at home and specially away our club as been re born , happy days are back and yesterday capped it off. Just the small matter of a trophy now.
Had to be content with listening to this on Wolves player from the costa del sol. Sensational game. Fantastic write-up. I’ve felt for some time that this team was due a high scoring victory. Could not have predicted it would come like this though. And the title is still up for grabs so hopefully there will still be more reason to celebrate when Carlisle come to town!
Heart stopping game…great blog ….Maybe after all back to back relegation will be the start of some glory years again for our beloved Wolves. The support, the spirit and a great manager who gelled a wonderfully exciting team are in place. Great Great Wolves….You made us happy again ! Greetings all from Malta..happy Easter guys.
In over 43 years of watching WWFC I can honestly say that Friday stands out as the most amazing spectacle I have witnessed home or away. It was the first Wolves game I have seen to involve 10 goals, the first time with two hat tricks and it had more drama in 90 minutes than the whole of Glen Hoddle’s tenure put together.
During the game I was trying to think of the last Wolves player to score a hat-trick, was it Ewan Roberts, was it John De Wolf, or did Deano (saunders) get one. The lads standing by me just couldn’t decide, maybe some one can help me out.
Finally well down to the South Bank for the brilliant support, pitch invasion apart you were superb and it whets my appetite for the Carlisle game and lifting the trophy.
Roy of the Rovers stuff, this was an amazing game of football. Our fight & tenacity was so great to see,what a team this is. Kenny Jackett has put a huge grin back on the faces of all Wolves fans.
Dicko was incredible out there, his strength for no 6 was of Superhuman proportions. But all the goals, well our goals were superb. Rickett’s ball to Dicko, Henry & Edwards for Dicko’s third.
Spring in the step, grin on the face,proud to wear those gold & black colours again. Great payback for two miserable seasons of hurt.
Agree with all the blogs on here I’d be hard pressed to recall a greater game of football I’ve been at, It was breathtaking. And given the dearth of comment in the media, or have I missed it all?, a well kept secret amongst the 31,000 souls who witnessed it first hand!
I listened to the game live and sat in disbelief with each and every twist and turn in what sounded a real humdinger.
If ever there was to be a season defining game that was it.
Previously, for me it was our thumping handed out at Brentford.
But yesterday was amazing.
I have watched the highlights over and over and am still not bored.
My dad and big bro were there. I was there in spirit.
Unbelievable, truly unbelievable.
What else can happen this season?
100 plus points and the title?
Gutted i wasnt there prediction was dumbass too Kenny when am i going to learn ?
Simply brilliant. Take a bow. Thank you for the great write up.
They will have to build a moat to keep back our morons off the pitch against Carlisle – last game….
Brilliant experience, even just listening to it…
On ward and upward…
What an Easter to be a Wolves supporter!
Thanks for all the posts from those who were there.
You all capture the atmosphere in your unique ways.
I’ve just seen the Football League highlights and watched the comment of Steve Evans the Rotherham manager.
Steve .. unlike that wanker Warburton (Brentford) .. YOU are the most dignified and gracious in defeat manager I have ever heard. You are a manager full of praise for a team and club that has just beaten you and shown a consistency over the 43 matches played so far.
I am totally behind your Rotherham team in the forthcoming playoffs and wish you every atom of luck in your quest for championship football .. BEST WISHES ..